Yearly Archives: 2015

My Salute to the Power of Vaccination

By Indu Gupta, MD, MPH Onondaga County Health Commissioner Growing up in India, I witnessed first-hand, the wrath of many infectious diseases. I clearly remember standing in a long line in my elementary school, waiting to get the small pox vaccination by the health care workers. The vaccination needles were long, with two prongs. I… Read more >

It is Essential to Take Steps to Avoid Measles

The Onondaga County Health Department is reminding Onondaga County residents about the importance of being up-to-date on all vaccinations including measles. Since December 2014, there has been an ongoing multistate outbreak of measles in the United States. Dr. Indu Gupta, Commissioner of Health, explained “Onondaga County has not had a confirmed measles case since 2000.… Read more >

Take Precautions During the Cold Weather

Take Precautions During the Cold Weather Onondaga County Health Commissioner, Indu Gupta, MD, MPH, recommends that Onondaga County residents take precautions against the hazards of severe cold weather to prevent cold related injuries and carbon monoxide poisoning. Dr. Gupta stated, “With these low temperatures, people, especially the elderly and infants, are at risk for hypothermia… Read more >

Welcome!

Welcome to the new Onondaga County Health Department blog! This is my first blog article as Commissioner of Health for Onondaga County. I am looking forward to connecting with you and sharing the latest public health information and updates on local health issues that matter to you. In this debut article, I would like to… Read more >

Get Treatment Immediately If You Have Flu Symptoms

Onondaga County, as well as New York State, is in the middle of a severe flu season. This year the predominant virus is flu A H3N2. This flu strain often affects the very young, those over 65 years old, and those with underlying medical conditions. Commissioner of Health, Indu Gupta, MD, MPH, explained today that… Read more >

Largely Preventable Cancer is Still Being Detected

Did you know that over half of all cervical cancer cases occur in women who have rarely or never been screened for the disease? In fact, 4,000 U.S. women die annually of cervical cancer. Screening can prevent cervical cancer or find it early when it’s easier to treat. One death let alone 4,000 is too… Read more >

Onondaga County Health Department Receives Funding to Prepare for National Accreditation

The Onondaga County Health Department has recently been awarded $15,000 to support its progress in meeting the requirements of the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB), the first and only voluntary national accreditation program for public health departments. The Onondaga County Health Department is one of 10 local health departments from 10 states to receive this… Read more >

Onondaga County Immunization Clinic is Changing! New Location, New Day, New Time!

There are changes coming to the Onondaga County Health Department Immunization Clinic. To better accommodate our clients, the Onondaga County Immunization Clinic is moving to a new location, day of the week, and time. Starting January 7, 2015, the clinic will be located at the John H. Mulroy Civic Center, 421 Montgomery St., Room 30… Read more >

Preventing Rabies Exposure Remains Important in Winter Months

Onondaga County Commissioner of Health, Indu Gupta, MD, MPH reports that the New York State Health Department’s laboratory confirmed that a cat found in the Town of Onondaga recently tested positive for rabies. This is the second cat that tested positive in 2014, bringing the total number of animals testing positive for rabies in Onondaga… Read more >